Wireless Configuration Card for Display-Free Access Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control terminals require user controls and displays for configuration, which are rarely used, leading to inefficiencies and increased production costs due to unnecessary components.
Innovation Solution
A configuration card with a communication circuit powered by an electromagnetic field, featuring electromechanical switches and a display for wireless data exchange, eliminating the need for user controls and displays in the access control terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If access control terminals include user controls and displays for configuration, then configuration functionality is enabled, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration controls and display from the access control terminal and relocates them to a separate configuration card. This allows the terminal to maintain full configuration functionality while reducing its own component count and complexity. The configuration card becomes a standalone unit containing the electromechanical switches and display, effectively removing these elements from the terminal's bill of materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration card acts as an intermediary device between the user and the access control terminal. Instead of the user directly interacting with the terminal's controls, the configuration card serves as a mediator that communicates configuration data wirelessly to the terminal via RFID/NFC technology. This intermediary approach enables configuration functionality while keeping the terminal design simple and compact.
2Ease of operation
If access control terminals include user controls and displays for configuration, then configuration functionality is enabled, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the configuration controls and display from the terminal, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture these expensive components as part of the terminal. The configuration card can be produced as a separate, lower-cost component using standard card manufacturing processes, thereby reducing overall production costs while maintaining configuration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration card is designed as a disposable or single-use component that can be manufactured at low cost. Unlike the permanent terminal infrastructure, the card can be produced using economical materials and processes, and can be replaced or updated independently without affecting the terminal hardware, thus reducing long-term production and maintenance costs.
3Ease of operation
If access control terminals include user controls and displays for configuration, then configuration functionality is enabled, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the physical controls and display from the terminal body, extracting these functions to a separate configuration card. This extraction allows the terminal to maintain a compact form factor suitable for wall mounting or portable use, while the configuration card houses the expanded controls and display elements that would otherwise increase terminal size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the configuration interface from a spatial dimension (physical buttons and display on the terminal) to a wireless dimension (RFID/NFC communication). By moving the interaction to another dimension via electromagnetic fields, the terminal no longer requires physical space for controls and display, enabling a more compact terminal design while preserving full configuration capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient configuration of access control terminals without user controls or displays, reducing production costs and allowing for a more compact design while providing user-perceptible feedback and data exchange capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The communication circuit is powered by a current induced in the antenna by an electromagnetic field produced by an external device
Data Source
AI summary
A configuration card comprises a communication circuit and an antenna connected to the communication circuit. The communication circuit is powered by a current induced in the antenna by an electromagnetic field produced by an external device. The communication circuit is configured for radio-based wireless exchange of data with the external device via the antenna. The configuration card further comprises electromechanical switches configured to set a plurality of more than two switching states. The communication circuit is configured to transmit to the external device a data value depending on a current switching state of the electromechanical switches.